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Screen Actors Guild Hosts Gathering of Labor Leaders

Screen Actors Guild’s New York Division hosted a special reception May 25 for labor leaders from the entertainment community. The SAG New York Host Committee Labor Leader Reception brought together more than 100 people, including leaders of organized labor and elected officials from guilds and unions, to discuss labor issues of mutual concern. Excitement about the merger between SAG and AFTRA was a hot topic of conversation. Special guests included SAG President Ken Howard, SAG National Executive Director David White and New York state AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes.

“It’s always a privilege to meet with the great labor leaders here in New York. In challenging times like these, we have to stay focused on efforts that will bring us long-term stability and strength — like uniting SAG and AFTRA. These leaders understand that a win for performers is a win for the labor movement, and I’m grateful for their support,” Howard said.

“We were thrilled to have our brother and sister unions at this event, which once again demonstrated that the unions and guilds of the entertainment industry share common goals, and that we are at our strongest when we work together,” White said.

“I appreciate that SAG was one of the first unions to step up on the New York state tax incentive issue. I find SAG leadership to be proactive and quick to mobilize when it comes to issues that impact the television and film industries in New York,” Hughes said.

The evening was very productive, the tone positive, and labor leaders pledged to continue to stay in contact and work together for the benefit of their members. The event is a part of the SAG N.Y. Division Board’s ongoing efforts to reach out to the labor community and raise awareness about the union movement.